PM announces Pakistan Single Country Exhibition 2016

COLOMBO: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe announced the ‘Pakistan Single Country Exhibition 2016,’ thereby boosting the long-standing commercial ties between the nations and inviting businesses of the two countries to tap into growth potential of each other’s economies.

The high-level exhibition, which would be held in Sri Lanka from January 15 to 17 at the BMICH, would feature representation from Pakistani commercial establishments in 15 sectors, announced PM Nawaz Sharif and Sri Lankan PM Ranil Wickremesinghe at a launch event held at the Temple Trees.

The announcement was made in the presence of many dignitaries including Commerce Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan, High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj Gen (r) Syed Shakeel Hussain, Trade Development Authority of Pakistan TDAP Secretary Rabiya Javeri Agha and Commerce Secretary Muhammad Shehzad Arbab. The event, organised by TDAP, is expected to feature over 110 top organisations representing some of the Pakistan’s leading companies and brands from a diverse range of industries. These include engineering products, auto parts, agri products, textile and clothing, designer wear, handicraft and traditional textiles, cosmetics and herbal products, pharmaceuticals, cutlery, gems and jewellery, furniture, carpets, marble and services. Participants include leading companies such as Toyota GT Motors, Pak Star Automotive Pvt Ltd and International Industries Limited (IIL). Apart from the exhibition, the event would also feature many B2B meetings expected to be attended by a trade delegation from Maldives.

“The ‘Pakistan Single Country Exhibition 2016’ provides a useful platform to further enhance the excellent commercial and bilateral relations between Pakistan and Sri Lanka and a timely opportunity for Sri Lankan businesses to tap into the vibrant and progressive economy of Pakistan,” said High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka Maj Gen (r) Syed Shakeel Hussain. “Pakistan’s leading commercial establishments and brands from an array of industries under one roof would present an unprecedented opportunity for any interested parties.”

Sri Lanka and Pakistan have strong commercial and bilateral ties and the FTA between the two nations has been operational for over 10 years – since June 2005. From LKR 6,851 million in 2003, Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka grew to LKR 48,942 million in 2013. Sri Lanka’s exports to Pakistan grew from LKR 3,488 million in 2003 to LKR 10,741 in 2013.